Cambridge Audio SX-60 Speakers Review

When I first hooked up the Cambridge Audio SX-60 speakers to my system, the difference was immediately apparent. The body of the sound was something I hadn’t realized I was missing. Bass lines had a satisfying weight, kick drums had a punch that made my favorite jazz and funk records come alive, and those boxed-in recordings I had been struggling with finally found their space to breathe.

These speakers are a significant step up from the budget desktop options many of us start with. If you’ve been listening to music on tiny powered speakers, the room presence the SX-60 delivers is a game changer. They manage to strike that sweet spot of being rich and full without veering into overly bright or fatiguing territory, making long listening sessions a joy rather than a chore.

The larger cabinet of the SX-60 plays a crucial role in its performance. It’s not just about making noise; it’s about filling the room with sound in a way that smaller speakers simply can’t achieve. Compared to compact entry-level options, the SX-60 sounds more refined and fuller, effortlessly filling my small-to-medium room with music.

This design choice also opens up a better upgrade path down the line. Because these are passive speakers with standard binding posts, I can easily swap out my amplifier as my system evolves without needing to replace the speakers. That’s a big plus in my book for anyone looking to invest in their audio setup.

While the SX-60 shines in many areas, placement can be a bit tricky due to the rear bass port. If you push these speakers too close to a wall or shove them into a crowded shelf, the bass can quickly become overwhelming and thick, which can muddy the sound. It’s a lesson learned: give them some space to breathe, ideally several inches from the back wall.

These speakers require a bit more power than one might expect. A weak mini amplifier can lead to a flat and closed-in sound, which is far from what the SX-60 is capable of delivering. I’ve seen it happen where someone parks the SX-60 on a crowded bookshelf, powered by a tiny budget amp, and then complains about muddy bass and muted mids. It’s not the speaker’s fault; it’s a mismatch in the setup.

To truly appreciate what the SX-60 can do, you need to pair it with a competent stereo receiver or integrated amp. This isn’t the place for a low-end setup; a decent amp can unlock the potential of these speakers and let them shine in all their glory.

While the SX-60 is a solid performer for the price, it’s important to note that it doesn’t quite reach the level of detail found in pricier options. If you’re looking for that last word in sparkle and finesse, you might want to consider something like the Q Acoustics 3020i. The SX-60 handles most genres beautifully, but it won’t deliver the same level of nuance for those who are really after that audiophile experience.